A Congolese sculptor, Jupson Tshiluka, has publicly denounced the removal of his signature from the monument of Étienne Tshisekedi, located at the mausoleum in N'Sele, eastern Kinshasa. Tshiluka expressed his concerns through an interview with the Congolese Press Agency (ACP), emphasizing the importance of respecting his artistic paternity. The sculptor stated that his signature "Jupson Tshiluka 2022" was initially inscribed on the right leg of the statue but was surprisingly found to be erased upon his visit.
The monument, standing at 8.50 meters tall, was unveiled on February 1, 2022, by President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi at the mausoleum to commemorate the fifth anniversary of his father's passing. Tshiluka explained that he was neither informed nor consulted before the removal of his signature. He stressed that the inscription was crucial as it identified him as the author of the work and specified the year of its creation. The sculptor has initiated steps to seek explanations and ensure his rights as the artwork's creator are respected.
Tshiluka pointed out that he suspects Oscar Manikunda Musata might be involved in the removal of his signature. However, he called for an official investigation to establish the exact circumstances and individuals responsible for this action. The sculptor also noted the presence of other individuals working on the site and requested clarification on their mandates and instructions regarding the statue, particularly concerning his signature.
The artist views the removal of his signature as an infringement on his artistic paternity rights. He believes that this act undermines the recognition of his work and demands a thorough investigation into the matter. Tshiluka reiterated his request for transparency and accountability, emphasizing the need to identify those responsible for the removal of his signature.
Tshiluka's concerns highlight the importance of protecting artists' rights and the significance of their signatures in identifying their work. The sculptor's situation has sparked interest in the Congolese art community, with many advocating for artists' rights to be respected. The incident also raises questions about the management and maintenance of public monuments in the country.
The Congolese Press Agency (ACP) reported that Tshiluka has been engaging with relevant authorities and stakeholders to address the issue. The sculptor remains hopeful that his concerns will be addressed, and his signature will be reinstated on the monument. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for clear communication and collaboration between artists, authorities, and the public.
The controversy surrounding the removal of Tshiluka's signature has brought attention to the importance of preserving artistic integrity and respecting creators' rights. As the situation unfolds, it is essential to consider the implications of such actions on the artistic community and the broader cultural landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Key points
- The removal of Jupson Tshiluka's signature from the Étienne Tshisekedi monument has sparked concerns about artistic paternity rights and the need for transparency in managing public monuments.
